Are you Compliant with the Fire Regulations – 3+ Years on?

Significant Fire Safety legislation commenced on the 1st October 2006!

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO)

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) came into force into England and Wales on the 1st October 2006.

The introduction of the RRFSO saw the abolition of the requirement to obtain fire certificates which ceased to have legal status (although it is worth bearing in mind that the standards they contained can be a very useful management tool and benchmark when starting to conduct a fire risk assessment) and the main effect of the changes was the move towards greater emphasis on fire prevention in all domestic premises, including the voluntary sector and self-employed people with premises separate from their main homes.

What are the implications of the new regulations?

Responsibility for compliance with the RRFSO will rest with the ‘responsible person(s)’ as defined within the legislation, which in a workplace is the employer and any other person who has control of any part of the premises e.g. occupier or owner.
In all other premises the person or people in control of the premises will be responsible, and if there is more than one responsible person in any type of premises, then all must work together to take all reasonable steps to satisfy compliance.
For the ‘responsible person(s)’ you will have to carry out a fire risk assessment which will pay attention to the safety of all ‘relevant persons’ in the event of a fire and particular attention should be paid to the dangers for disabled employees/occupants and anyone with special needs; and to the specific problems posed by dangerous materials housed on the premises.

The fire risk assessments will help you identify risks that can be removed or reduced and decide on the nature and extent of general fire precautions to be adopted to protect people against the fire risks that remain. Businesses employing 5 or more people must record the significant findings of the assessment undertaken. The regulations are based on the 1997 document “Fire Legislation for the future” which was drawn up as a result of talks between fire chiefs, unions and businesses at the time. The regulations will be enforced and policed by the local fire and rescue authorities who will carry out regular inspections of buildings, especially high-risk establishments.

Who does the RRFSO regulations apply to?

The RRFSO apply’s to virtually all non-domestic properties/premises, including voluntary organisations and even to certain outdoor activities. For example the regulations cover and include: - Offices and shops; Premises that provide care; Community halls; The common areas of houses in multiple occupation including common fire warning systems etc; Pubs, Clubs and restaurants; Schools; Tents and marquees; Hotels and hostels; Factories and warehouses.

Summary of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO)

From the 1st October 2006 the following applied: -

• All previous fire safety legislation was repealed or revoked, which included the Fire Precautions Act 1971, the amended Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1977 plus 100 other separate pieces of fire safety legislation.
• Fire Certificates were abolished and no longer have legal status.
• Responsible person(s) as defined in the RRFSO are responsible for the fire safety of their properties/premises, and they are required to undertake an assessment of the risks from fire and take steps to reduce or remove the risk to as low as reasonably practicable.
• The extended scope of consideration when assessing the risks from fire includes the safety of the fire fighters, property safety and also the environment inclusive of people not on the property/premises.
• Unlike the amended Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1977, the RRFSO placed a specific emphasis on business continuity and the containment and prevention of small fires spreading.
• The extent of protection of the RRFSO extends to all occupants, including employees, visitors, contractors and passers-by (general public etc) who require consideration in the fire risk assessment.

Where can I get more information and guidance on the RRFSO?

To download a free copy of the new regulations guidance booklets relevant to your business activity visit: -
http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/394/Fireguidesseries_id1500394.pdf
www.firesafetyguides.odpm.gov.uk  

To download the RRFSO 2005 - A short guide to making your premises safe from fire visit: -
http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/384/EntryLevelGuideAshortguidetomakingyourpremisessafefromfire_id1500384.pdf

To download a print version copy of the RRFSO document published by the Stationery Office visit: -

Remember ignorance is no defence; act now before it’s too late!
Have you completed a fire risk assessment for your premises?

Health & Safety matters is supplied by: -
Rob Lloyd – Managing Director of multi award winning Safety Administration Services – SAS Ltd.
For further information visit : http://www.sasrob.co.uk/ email: rob@sasrob.co.uk or Tel: 01928 577950 Fax: 01928 56765